ShotSpotter system uses senors to alert police to gunfire

Worcester is the latest Massachusetts community to install a gunshot detection system.

Worcester police expect to have the ShotSpotter system up and running Wednesday and plan an online chat Thursday to answer questions from the public.

The technology uses sensors to alert police when gunfire occurs. The system, already in use in Springfield and Boston, helps determine the number of shots, the area where they are located and time of the gunfire.

Chief Gary Gemme tells The Telegram & Gazette the six square miles covered by the system include the Main South, Grafton Hill and Shrewsbury Street neighborhoods and the Canal District.

Gemme says controlled gunshots will be fired in sand barrels Wednesday to test the system.